The The role of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy in the management of orocutaneous fistulas in cancer patients - a case series

Abstract

Background: Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) is used in the treatment of various wounds. The study demonstrates a novel use of vessel patch as a sealant of mucosal orifice fistulas.
 Methods: The study included ten patients with orocutaneous fistulas in the course of treatment of oral malignancies. Patients were divided into treatment (NPWT) and control (conventional dressings) group. In four cases, the vessel patch was applied. We used the Hartmann Vivano system with 50 mmHg to 130 mmHg negative pressure values.
 Results: The median age of patients was 61.5 years (range: 31 -- 73 years). The median treatment time was 83 days (range: 14 -- 272 days). The median total treatment cost was 5.300 EUR (range: 2490 -- 7821 EUR) in the NPWT group and 12.000 EUR (range: 3.060 -- 22.745 EUR) in the control group.
 Conclusion: The use of NPWT is a cost-effective and reasonable method for the management of orocutaneous fistulas and other complications in maxillofacial surgery.